VISITOR USE

An important step in the management plan review is the process of characterizing priority issues.  "Visitor Use" was identified as one of six priority issues through the public scoping process and by the sanctuary advisory council and sanctuary staff.  In response, the sanctuary advisory council formed a working group to address this issue.  Through a series of public meetings and/or workshops, the working group will develop their final recommendations on management activities and strategies to be considered by the full council and the sanctuary superintendent. The following summarizes the work done by members of the subcommittee or working group and presents an overview of the issue and suggested action strategies.

Working Group Members:

• Frank Wasson, Chairperson, Council Diving Operations Representative
• Jennifer Morgan, FGBNMS Council Coordinator
• Tim Gibson, Council Oil and Gas Representative
• Dick Zingula, Council Recreational Diving Representative

The Issue:

Impacts on the sanctuary from visitation by SCUBA divers and fishermen are an increasing concern. There is a lack of research and monitoring on direct and indirect human impacts to sanctuary resources. Divers have noted damage to the coral reef likely caused by recreational and research divers. Similarly, there is the potential for some marine animals to be negatively affected by human physical interactions and activities associated with recreation and research.  As visitor use increases, demand for mooring buoys will also increase, potentially leading to user conflict.  These combined pressures cause concern for future management and continued protection and sustainability of sanctuary resources.  (Photo by Emma Hickerson, FGBNMS)

The Strategy:

1. Establish an ongoing process to track fishing and other human-use activities and their impacts in and around Sanctuary waters.
   1. Pursue feasibility and implementation details of a vessel registration system for all vessels visiting (not transiting) the sanctuary. 
   2. Consider implementation of a VMS system.
2. Determine research needs and make a recommendation for a research program to determine users and impacts.
3. Manage potential user conflicts between fishing and diving through the utilization of mooring buoys.
   1. Consider additional mooring buoys to include underwater buoys and relocation of surface buoys to maintain adequate clearance between fishing and diving activities at Stetson Bank.
   2. Develop a strategy for partitioned use of mooring buoys.
4. Study the impacts of seismic activity within and around the sanctuary
5. Identify activities that will address impacts of human interactions with wildlife, especially relevant educational activities.

Download a copy of the Visitor Use Fact Sheet (440kb pdf).

Questions or comments? Email fgbmanagmentplan@noaa.gov.